Review of Charnwood Island II stove
Disapointed
Firebox is very small but works well. mixed size logs don't fit easily!! Mistakenly listened to many pro 'experts' and put in a stove far too small & unsuitable. Gives postage stamp size view of fire even with doors open. flame effects stunted by baffle. Haven't tried coal/coke to keep fire in over night -quality wood goes out. glass slowly stained up - cant see fire now with doors closed after 1 month.
Stove expert replied: Sounds like you were given bad and out of date advice. The big progress that modern combustion systems have made is the ability for a stove to burn slowly and yet efficiently. The days of a stove roaring OR smouldering should be over - this means you can choose a slightly larger stove and still burn controllably. The glass staining is often due to damp fuel or insufficient draw, or both."\nIan B wrote in to say: "my advice would be to try anthracite (smokeless) fuel as this is the most efficient fuel, pound for pound, and the least amount of work. you should fill it up and it should last all day. i dont know your flue sizes but to get the best efficiency, a 6inch insulated flexi-liner(904 grade) will give you the optimum efficiency. ie minimun heat loss, good draw. also fitting an all purpose cowl will protect your flue and minimise heat loss. hope this helps."